#BangkokPost

With its signature refreshing aroma and a presence in Thai cuisine, teas, and traditional healing, saranae (สะระแหน่, Mentha × cordifolia) is more than a culinary flourish—it’s a living link between ancient wisdom and modern herbal science. The story of saranae weaves through Thai kitchens, bustling markets, and the annals of both folk medicine and laboratories worldwide, showing how a humble herb continues to captivate health-conscious Thais with its potent, versatile properties.

Deep in the lush forests of Thailand and across Southeast Asia, a powerful traditional remedy has long whispered its healing secrets. Known locally as khunthongphayabat (ขันทองพยาบาท) and by a host of regional names—from Duk Sai in Isan to Jaduk Lekluam in the North—the wood of the Suregada multiflora tree has woven its way through the patchwork of Thai herbal medicine for generations. Now, with the surge of scientific interest in plant-based pharmacology, khunthongphayabat is poised to make an impression far beyond traditional medicine cabinets, as researchers illuminate how its ancient uses resonate with cutting-edge health studies.

Deep within the forests and fields of Thailand, the twisting vines of หมามุ่ย (Mucuna pruriens), known colloquially as “Mahamui,” have been harvested for generations, their itchy seed pods treated with caution but their hidden treasures—the seeds—prized by traditional healers. For centuries, Thai folk medicine has celebrated this legume for supporting male vitality, easing nervous ailments, and, notably, restoring sexual health. Today, as modern researchers crack open the mysteries inside its tiny beans, Mucuna pruriens stands at the intersection of ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge science, offering a compelling case for the harmonious coexistence of traditional and evidence-based medicine.

In the bustling markets of Thailand, amidst the aromatic waft of herbs and spices, lies a yellow-tinted rhizome called ‘plai’ (ไพล) that has earned a cherished place in traditional medicine and the day-to-day lives of Thais. Revered for generations under names like ไพลเหลือง, ว่านไฟ, ปูลอย, and มิ้นสะล่าง, Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. stands as a bridge between ancient healing knowledge and cutting-edge scientific inquiry. While grew first in the lore of village healers, plai has recently become the subject of intense interest among scientists seeking to validate its age-old uses.

In the fragrant shadow of Thailand’s grandest temples and the quiet corners of family gardens, the sweetly scented flowers of the Pikun tree (Mimusops elengi) have bloomed for centuries. Revered in Thai traditional medicine and cherished for its beauty, the “Spanish cherry” or “Bullet wood” is more than an ornamental plant—it is a living pharmacy whose age-old uses are now drawing the interest of modern science. As the world looks increasingly toward natural remedies, Pikun stands at the crossroads of tradition and research, offering lessons in healing, culture, and caution.

From bustling Thai markets with the intoxicating aroma of herbs to age-old remedies passed across generations, few herbal medicines weave as rich a tapestry of tradition and science as เทียนข้าวเปลือก (tian khao pleuak), internationally known as sweet fennel or by its botanical name, Foeniculum vulgare Miller subsp. var. vulgare. Renowned locally as “ยี่หร่าหวาน” or “เทียนแกลบ,” this versatile spice and medicinal plant sits at a fascinating crossroads—honored by Thai healers for its soothing properties and now increasingly validated by global pharmacological research.

For centuries, Borapet (Tinospora crispa)—also known in different Thai regions as khruea khao ho, chong ching, or jetamoon yam—has twined its bitter stems through local gardens, folk medicine chests, and herbal lore across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Praised by elders for its invigorating and cooling qualities, Borapet has long been a household staple for treating a perplexing range of ailments: from fevers and diabetes to wound healing and indigestion. Today, as modern science turns its gaze toward ancient remedies, Borapet’s reputation as a local panacea is receiving fresh scrutiny—and, in some cases, careful scientific validation.

Sesame seeds—known in Thailand as “nga” (งา), whether in their white (nga khao) or black (nga dam) varieties—hold an enduring place at the crossroads of culture, cuisine, and traditional medicine. Revered for millennia across Asia and especially prominent in Thai culinary heritage, sesame seeds have recently stepped into the spotlight of scientific scrutiny. As Thailand and global communities seek healthful, natural remedies, sesame’s rich tradition and mounting scientific evidence offer both inspiration and practical pathways for modern wellness.

Across Thailand’s bustling markets and the aromatic kitchens of many Thai homes, there is a slender, fiery-red flower hugging a dark seed—the “dok jan” or “dok jan thet,” known in English as mace. Harvested from the seed’s aril of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), this fragrant botanical has not only delighted generations with its sweet aroma but also played a storied role in Thai traditional medicine. Today, as the global wellness movement looks east for ancient remedies, dok jan stands poised at the intersection of centuries-old practice and 21st-century science.

For centuries, the thick, gnarled roots of Pueraria mirifica have been unearthed from the misty forests of northern Thailand and lovingly brewed into potions or dried into powders with a singular promise—youthfulness restored. Known locally as กวาวเครือขาว (Kwao Krua Kao), this fascinating member of the legume family occupies a unique niche in both traditional Thai medicine and the budding landscape of natural health supplements worldwide. But what is the science behind its enduring popularity? And how does the legend of an ancient “elixir of youth” meet the scrutiny of the modern laboratory?